ABSTRACT
Although not traditionally given adequate attention, the overtourism concept has shone a brighter light on tourism's impacts on city resident quality of life and well-being.
The chapter begins by defining quality of life and explains why it must be an issue of concern in city tourism destination management. A general trend is noted in public awareness of this issue in major European cities and elsewhere. The academic research on resident quality of life and well-being is reviewed.
Eurostat's “8+1” dimensions, OECD and other indicators of quality of life, well-being and liveability are used to frame the discussion on how tourism affects residents in world tourism cities. Tourism rankings are compared with their quality of life counterparts for the top world tourism cities. Several case studies where cities are taking the initiative to improve resident quality of life are provided.
The twin topics of carrying capacity and overtourism are tackled, and overcrowding is pinpointed as a key disturbance for local residents. Solutions to this issue are identified and the need for visitor management is highlighted and exemplified through the ADVICE model.
